The People's Government of Green Spring County has issued a notice to strengthen unified water resource management and protection. This initiative aims to regulate water extraction practices according to law, crack down on illegal water-taking activities, and promote the sustainable use of water resources. The action is grounded in several key pieces of legislation, including the Water Law of the People's Republic of China, the Regulations on the Administration of Water Draw and Collection of Water Resource Fees (State Council Order No. 460), the Regulations on Groundwater Management, the Water Supply Regulations, and specific provincial measures from Yunnan Province.

Based on these laws and the county's specific circumstances, the government has decided to conduct a special campaign to rectify illegal water extraction within the area covered by the municipal public water supply network in the county's built-up zone. The following details outline the scope, targets, key areas of focus, and procedures for this campaign.

Scope of the Campaign

The campaign will cover all areas within the county's built-up zone that are currently served by the municipal public water supply network. The specific boundaries will be defined based on the officially designated built-up area limits as determined by the county's natural resources and planning authorities.

Parties Subject to the Campaign

All water users and water extraction activities within the designated scope are subject to this campaign. This includes all industrial enterprises within industrial parks, various shops along streets, commercial complexes, and specialized markets. It also covers accommodation businesses such as hotels and inns, as well as tourism-related lodgings like guesthouses and hostels. Manufacturing plants and workshops of all types are included, along with residential communities managed by property companies or units. Other targets encompass village residents within urban areas and rental properties, public service institutions like administrative bodies, schools, and hospitals, and temporary water use at construction sites. Any other entities taking water from any source within the municipal public network's coverage area are also included.

Key Violations Being Addressed

This special campaign specifically targets unauthorized extraction of surface water, including water from rivers and streams, and groundwater, including mountain springs, within areas served by the municipal public supply network. The focus is on actions taken without approval, such as directly drawing water without authorization from the county-level or higher water administrative department. Continuing to take water after a water draw permit has expired without renewal is another key violation. Using water beyond the conditions specified in an approved permit, including exceeding permitted volumes, changing the purpose of use, altering the extraction point, or transferring extraction rights without approval, is also subject to scrutiny. The campaign will address the construction of new or modified self-provided water facilities within the public supply area when municipal water could sufficiently meet the demand. It also targets the failure to seal or register existing self-provided facilities after connecting to the municipal supply, along with any other water-taking activities that violate water resource management regulations.

Policy Guidelines

Within the municipal public network's coverage area, approval for new self-built water intake projects will not be granted if public supply can adequately meet the needs for capacity, quality, and pressure. Existing facilities in such cases must be sealed or dismantled within a specified timeframe. For historically unauthorized facilities, a principle of "lawful handling, category-based strategies, and gradual withdrawal" will be applied, leading to their lawful removal, sealing, or demolition. In specific cases where unique production processes or water quality requirements necessitate retaining a facility, approval must be sought from the county-level or higher water administrative department. A water draw permit must be obtained, qualifying metering devices installed, and water resource taxes paid in accordance with the law, bringing the operation under unified water use planning. Other legal provisions, where applicable, will continue to govern.

Implementation Procedures

The campaign will be carried out in two distinct phases. The first phase, a self-correction period, runs from the date of this notice's publication until October 10, 2026. During this time, all involved parties are required to conduct thorough self-inspections against the key violations listed. Those who have been extracting water illegally should voluntarily halt operations, dismantle their facilities, seal off intake points, and restore the original condition. They must also report these actions truthfully to the county's water administrative department. If there are exceptional reasons to retain a facility, a written application with supporting materials, such as a justification for use, a water demand analysis, and a metering plan, must be submitted within the correction period for approval.

The second phase, a concentrated enforcement crackdown, begins on October 11, 2026. Following the self-correction deadline, the county's water administrative department will launch joint enforcement actions with other agencies, including public security, housing and urban-rural development, natural resources, ecology and environment, comprehensive law enforcement, market regulation, health, and forestry. A comprehensive verification of all water extraction facilities in the area will be conducted. Facilities that have not been corrected or have been corrected inadequately will be subject to lawful removal or sealing, with all associated costs borne by the violators. Those who proactively correct their violations and dismantle their facilities may receive lighter penalties, while minor violations that are promptly rectified without causing harm may not receive administrative punishment. Those who refuse to stop illegal activities or resist law enforcement will face heavier penalties. If a violation constitutes a crime, the case will be referred to judicial authorities for criminal liability. Individuals obstructing or hindering administrative enforcement will be penalized by public security under the Public Security Administration Punishments Law, and criminal responsibility will be pursued if the actions constitute a crime. Spreading false information that disrupts social order via online platforms will also be investigated and punished accordingly.

Coordination and Responsibilities

The county's water administrative department will organize and coordinate the campaign, handle illegal water extraction cases, and oversee permit approval and policy interpretation. The Daxing Town People's Government will implement territorial management responsibilities, assist in surveying extraction facilities, promote public awareness of relevant laws, and ensure timely and proper completion of corrections by concerned parties. The housing, urban-rural development, and comprehensive enforcement departments will assist in verifying the public supply network's coverage and users' connections to ensure normal water service. Other departments, such as market regulation, industry, culture, tourism, and health, will cooperate in investigating and urging rectification within their respective fields. The ecology and environment department will support law enforcement related to water source protection and water environment, addressing water pollution caused by extraction. The power supply department will assist in implementing power cuts to illegal extraction facilities. All water users are expected to comply with water management laws, enhance water conservation awareness, cooperate with the campaign, and actively connect to the municipal network.

Public Oversight and Reporting

Residents are encouraged to report illegal water extraction activities. Reporting parties' information will be kept strictly confidential by the relevant authorities. Reports can be made by calling 0873-4332105, the county's water administrative department's hotline, or by visiting the Water Affairs Bureau at No. 18, Nonglin Lane, Daxing Town, Green Spring County.

Final Provisions

This notice takes effect from the date of its issuance. The county's water administrative department holds the authority to interpret this notice. Specific issues that arise during the campaign will be handled by the department in accordance with relevant laws and policy provisions.